Horseback riders enjoy the boulders of the Texas Canyon area

At trail’s end following the guide, left to right: Greg Theis, Mary Theis, Jennifer Betts, Jamie Calhoun and Mike McDole

At trail’s end following the guide, left to right: Greg Theis, Mary Theis, Jennifer Betts, Jamie Calhoun and Mike McDole

A magnificent seven ride, left to right: Bob Johnson, Alyce Grover, Jean Morgan, Rebecca Williams, Don Williams, Mark Morgan and Loretta Johnson

A magnificent seven ride, left to right: Bob Johnson, Alyce Grover, Jean Morgan, Rebecca Williams, Don Williams, Mark Morgan and Loretta Johnson

Bob Johnson and Alyce Grover follow the guide past some truly amazing rock formations.

Bob Johnson and Alyce Grover follow the guide past some truly amazing rock formations.

Rebecca Williams

The SaddleBrooke Ranch Riding Group headed a little further out of town to the picturesque Texas Canyon area for a horseback ride at the Triangle T Guest Ranch. Set among the giant granite boulders of the Texas Canyon, the Triangle T is a frequent site for movies, TV shows and commercials. Scenes from such favorites as the original movie 3:10 to Yuma and High Chaparral were shot there. More recently scenes from Ambush at Dark Canyon starring Kix Brooks were also filmed there. This area was also the winter home for Apache Indian chief Cochise as well as many other Indian tribes.

The winding trail took riders around many of the huge boulders that form interesting formations. Many of the boulders perch in precarious positions, yet a wrangler who has worked there for eight years said that despite the severity of the angles he has seen only one of the smaller rocks fall.

After the horseback ride many participants enjoyed a sandwich and brew at the Bar & Grill located on the property. It was a great time to swap stories and get to know others in the group. Some also went to enjoy the nearby Amerind Museum, a true little gem with wonderful explanations of the history of the area and the many tribes that inhabited it.

Any resident of SaddleBrooke Ranch is welcome to join the SaddleBrooke Ranch Riding Group. There is no obligation to attend all the rides offered. Riders simply let the secretary know if they want to attend a particular ride. Car pools are generally arranged for those interested.

This was the last organized ride of the spring season for the group. With warmer weather it gets pretty warm on the trail, and one sometimes needs to head out early to catch a cooler part of the day. The fall season will start in late September or early October.

If you are interested in receiving more information on the SaddleBrooke Ranch Riding Group, please contact the group secretary, residents Don and Rebecca Williams, at [email protected].